Anafranil (generic name: clomipramine) was developed in the 1960s by the Swiss manufacturer Geigy, now known as Novartis. It helps increase brain serotonin at low doses and norepinephrine at moderate doses. Anafranil may be especially helpful in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic disorder. It comes in 25, 50, and 75-milligram capsules and is usually started at 25 milligrams at bedtime, gradually increasing to 75-225 milligrams. It stays in the body four to six days after you stop taking it.
Anafranil works very well at decreasing depression, but because of its strong side effects dry mouth, dry eyes, sedation, constipation, and weight gain many patients do not like it. There are other tricyclic antidepressants, like Tofranil, that are just as effective but have fewer side effects. Interestingly, clomipramine is sold by veterinarians under the name Clomicalm, as a treatment for obsessive habits like skin licking and tail chasing.
- What are the potential side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?
- What are the differences between tricyclic anti depressants?
- What are tricydic antidepressants?
- What should I be aware of when taking antidepressants?
- What is serotonin syndrome?
- Will Zoloft make me sleepy at work?
- What are the advantages of Wellbutrin?
- Who is most likely to have an episode of major depression?
- Whatever happened to Serzone?
- Does Remeron have bad side effects?
- Why is Prozac the most recognized antidepressant?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of Paxil?
- Is Luvox often prescribed?
- What is Lexapro like?
- Is Effexor any better than other antidepressants?
- Is Desyrel an old medication?
- Is Cymbalta a new antidepressant that works in a special way?
- Is Celexa a good antidepressant?
- How serious is my depression?
- Why are some antidepressants called SSRIs?
